How aging-related metabolism and immune signals drive bone inflammation and loss
Immunometabolic regulation of bone inflammaging
This work looks at whether age-related changes in nerve signals and fat buildup inside bone marrow contribute to bone inflammation and bone loss in older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11301887 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my perspective as a patient, researchers are studying why fat builds up in bone marrow as people age and how that links to inflammation and weaker bones. They will use a combination of human samples and mouse experiments to follow how nerve-released chemicals (catecholamines) are broken down by the enzyme MAOA and how that affects fat use in bone. The team will test whether changing these immune–metabolic signals can reduce marrow fat, lower bone inflammation, and prevent bone loss. Findings could point to new drug targets or approaches to keep bones stronger with age.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be older adults with age-related bone loss or osteoporosis, or people willing to donate blood or bone marrow samples for research.
Not a fit: People with bone issues caused by acute injury, congenital bone disorders, or conditions unrelated to aging-related marrow fat may not see direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to prevent or treat age-related bone inflammation and osteoporosis, helping older adults keep stronger bones and avoid fractures.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have linked marrow fat and sympathetic nervous system signals to bone loss, but directly targeting MAOA-driven catecholamine breakdown in bone is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
New Haven, United States
- Yale University — New Haven, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dixit, Vishwa Deep — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Dixit, Vishwa Deep
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.